Caitlin Willis- The Breakfast Club

Caitlin Willis
Intro. to Film Studies
5.5.17

The Breakfast Club

          This movie, by far, is one of my most favorite movies ever. I first watched it when I was first entering high school and many, many times after that. I feel as though this movie portrays high school in a way that not many movies do. Of course most films have similar characters: princess, athlete, basket case, brain, and criminal, but not many allow the characters to step outside of their respective personalities. However, The Breakfast Club did.

          Five students, one Saturday detention, nine hours. This was how long it took for us to delve deep into the minds of the stereotypical characters. We learned about why each of them were in detention, some of which revealed a deeper truth about the person they really were. Take Andrew, the jock, for example. He received his Saturday detention because he bullied and outright humiliated a less popular student. He did it to impress his jock friends and his father but it proved true that he wasn't like most jocks. He deeply regretted it and wished he could go back and change it.

          Each person helped to disprove the others stereotypes. Everyone assumed that John was a criminal just because he wanted to be but didn't realize he came from an abusive household. They all assumed that Claire wasn't a virgin and that Brian actually enjoyed being studious. They all believed that Allison was genuinely crazy and were surprised to find out that she just needed friends.

          This movie helped to shine light on high school cliques and the difficulties that come with being in one. Even if you're an accepting and genuine person, making friends with people outside of your clique can be troublesome. Despite the day of bonding, Claire, John, and Andrew all agreed that they're never going to talk to each other again. Only Brian and Allison said they would and that's because the two of them didn't have friends.

            I feel as though this movie is a must watch for anyone in high school. This movie just helps to show that people aren't who you think they are or who they claim to be. It has a good message beneath it that everyone, not only high school students, should learn.